And he is demanding progress in all three competitions at home before thoughts again turn to the challenge facing City abroad in February.

Considering he appears to be a dead man walking Pellegrini remains full of life and desire to bring trophies to the Etihad.

He could easily down tools while City chief executive Ferran Soriano and director of football Txiki Begiristain work behind the scenes and his back to win the race to bring their old pal, Bayern Munich’s Premier League-bound boss Pep Guardiola, to the Etihad.

They are third in the league, three points off leaders Arsenal and into the fourth round of the FA Cup after a 3-0 cruise at Norwich.

And a place in the Capital One Cup final is still well within their reach despite losing the first leg of their semi 2-1 at Everton last week.

The Champions League then returns next month with Dynamo Kiev standing in City’s way as they bid to reach the quarter-finals for the first time.

Pellegrini said: “January is a very key month, and not only for Premier League, for both cups as well. We have to play the second leg of the semi-final, we must beat Everton 1-0 at home, that’s the result we need.

Comeback: City must overturn a 2-1 deficit to progress to the Capital One Cup final (Image: Alex Livesey)

“We must try to continue in the next round in the FA Cup. And we have to play three games in the Premier League that are very important (Everton, Crystal Palace and West Ham).

“In this moment, we have two teams ahead of us. It’s the time to try to reduce that gap. Because in February you must start again the Champions League and must play a lot of games, especially if you go on in the FA Cup. This month of January will be key.

Read more:

“We have finished this week with both cups – Capital One Cup on Wednesday against Everton and now against Norwich. Now it’s very important for our team to try to close the gap that we have with the leaders.

“It’s very important everyone is focused mentally and physically and go game by game.”

City had few problems seeing off Norwich at Carrow Road to maintain their interest in the FA Cup.

A Sergio Aguero solo wonder-goal, second from youngster Kelechi Iheanacho and individual third from Kevin de Bruyne sealed their spot in the fourth round.